The brown-backed whistler (Pachycephala modesta) is a species of bird in the family Pachycephalidae endemic to Papua New Guinea. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. It features a grey head, brown upperparts, a white throat and off-white underparts with a greyish chest wash. Taxonomy and systematics The brown-backed whistler was originally described in the genus Poecilodryas.
Subspecies Three subspecies are recognized: Pachycephala modesta hypoleuca – Reichenow, 1915: Originally described as a separate species. Found in east-central New Guinea Pachycephala modesta modesta – (De Vis, 1894): Found in southeast New Guinea Pachycephala modesta telefolminensis – Gilliard & LeCroy, 1961: Found in central New Guinea
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